Senior Alexander Diaz takes on Journey of Hope

The Queens motto "Not to be served, but to serve," is not something that senior Communication major Alexander Diaz takes lightly.

This summer, Diaz will represent Queens on the Journey of Hope, a cross-country service oriented bike ride from coast to coast. Diaz will begin in California and ride roughly 100 miles a day until he reaches Washington, D.C.

In several states along the way, he will complete "friendship visits," where he will volunteer at different disability organizations.

The goal of Journey of Hope is to raise money for Push America, which Diaz's fraternity Pi Kappa Phi supports each year as their philanthropic project. To be eligible to ride in the Journey of Hope, Diaz has to raise $5,500.

Several Pi Kappa Phi brothers from Queens have accepted the Journey of Hope challenge and made the life-changing trek across the nation. This has inspired the challenge to become an annual tradition, with brothers committing to riding or being support staff members.

"So far, my friends, family and fraternity brothers have really been supporting me and helping me spread the word about the cause," Diaz said.

Diaz even incorporated the service project into his school work. He completed a digital project in one of his classes where he made a brochure, flyer and YouTube video devoted to Journey of Hope.

Although any contributions Diaz earns will be donated to Push America, he will not be eligible to participate in the bike ride if he does not reach his $5500 goal.

"I know it's going to be hard to reach my goal, but I did this to challenge myself physically and mentally and to raise awareness for a good cause." To help Diaz reach his goal, visit his personal donation page here.